How to reduce your energy bills and also get funds for paying them
Berlin is introducing two new programs. Both of these programs are designed to help local residents either save money on their electric and heating bills this winter, or get help with paying those bills. The first program is designed to help customers in need pay their bills. It is called the Energy Assistance Program. The town offers a free energy audit to help customers save money on their energy bills by identifying ways to save energy in their homes.
The energy audit is a service that will help individuals and families identify ways to lower their heating and electric costs. The two Berlin Electric employees were certified as Home Energy Auditors. With the help of thousands of dollars of specialized equipment, such as infrared technology, wind and gas detectors, they can tell residents where their homes are losing energy and how they can save.
The Berlin Maryland Energy Assistance Program gives Berlin Electric customers cash grants that can be used to pay their electric bills. The program will provide aid for those who were not able to get help through the Maryland Energy Assistance Program and who may be facing termination of service if they are not able to pay their bill. The program will help with energy bills for those who have not been able to get assistance through the Maryland Energy Assistance Program and who may have their service disconnected if they cannot pay their bill.
Town resident and employee Ms. Timmons was the first to experience the free energy audit service. The energy auditor examined and tested the home for about four hours. They were checking for leaks in the air conditioning and heating systems, looking for leaks near electrical outlets, and gaps in insulation. You can learn more about Maryland’s weatherization programs, as well as utility and heating programs, on the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development website.
She said the energy audit is a great service for reducing energy bills as long as some of the changes and improvements that the technician recommended are implemented.
To get more information on either program, contact Dave Thomas at 410-641-1666.